Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

A Modified Two Kidney One Clip Mouse Model of Renin Regulation in Renal Artery Stenosis
08:21

A Modified Two Kidney One Clip Mouse Model of Renin Regulation in Renal Artery Stenosis

Published on: October 26, 2020

Kidney's role in hypertension

M S Lubanski1, P A McCullough

  • 1Divisions of Cardiology, Nutrition and Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, USA. mart_90210@yahoo.com

Minerva Cardioangiologica
|November 28, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Essential hypertension and chronic kidney disease are epidemics, often causing cardiovascular events. This review analyzes how kidney dysfunction directly causes hypertension, focusing on mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Cardiology
  • Hypertension Research

Background:

  • Hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are prevalent, interconnected epidemics.
  • CKD is a significant determinant of essential hypertension, yet mechanisms remain unclear.
  • Both conditions increase cardiovascular event risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically analyze literature on the kidney's central role in adult essential hypertension.
  • To describe the pathophysiology linking hypertension, CKD, and cardiovascular disease.
  • To present therapeutic strategies for CKD patients to prevent hypertension and reduce cardiovascular risk.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review of peer-reviewed publications.
  • Analysis of mechanisms including sodium handling, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and sympathetic activity.
  • Focus on mediators of vascular tone and CKD progression.

Main Results:

  • The kidney plays a critical role in inducing and maintaining essential hypertension.
  • Dysfunctional sodium handling, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and sympathetic overactivity contribute significantly.
  • Mediators of vascular tone and CKD progression are intrinsically linked to hypertension development.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding kidney-induced hypertension mechanisms is crucial for managing hypertensive patients with CKD.
  • Targeting specific pathways can prevent hypertension progression and mitigate cardiovascular risks.
  • Integrated therapeutic strategies are essential for improving outcomes in patients with coexisting hypertension and CKD.

Related Concept Videos

Introduction to Urinary System01:13

Introduction to Urinary System

The urinary system consists of two kidneys, two ureters, the urinary bladder, and the urethra.
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located in the retroperitoneal space, on either side of the vertebral column, between the T12 and L3 vertebrae. They are partially protected by the rib cage and surrounded by perirenal fat, which provides cushioning. They are responsible for urine formation and play critical roles in regulating blood pressure, electrolyte levels, and hormone production. The ureters...
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
Hormonal Regulation01:33

Hormonal Regulation

The renin-aldosterone system is an endocrine system which guides the renal absorption of water and electrolytes, thus managing blood pressure and osmoregulation. Activation of the system begins in the kidneys with a small cluster of cells adjacent to the afferent and efferent blood vessels of the renal corpuscle. As the nephrons are filtering blood, juxtaglomerular cells monitor blood pressure. If they detect a decrease in pressure, they release the hormone renin into the bloodstream.
Hormonal Regulation of Blood Pressure01:17

Hormonal Regulation of Blood Pressure

Endocrinal or hormonal intervention in the cardiovascular system is predominantly exerted by the catecholamines - epinephrine and norepinephrine, as well as a slew of hormones that interact with renal function to modulate blood volume.
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
The adrenal medulla releases epinephrine and norepinephrine, catecholamines that enhance and extend the sympathetic or "fight or flight" physiological response. These hormones escalate heart rate and the force of contraction while...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors01:30

Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a vital component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, is abundant in lung endothelial cells. ACE converts the inactive decapeptide, angiotensin I, into the active octapeptide, angiotensin II. This potent vasoconstrictor narrows blood vessels, increasing resistance to blood flow and elevating blood pressure. Angiotensin II also stimulates aldosterone production, encouraging kidney cells to reabsorb more sodium and water from urine, thereby increasing...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of Diuretics01:16

Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of Diuretics

Diuretics are antihypertensive drugs used to treat hypertension resulting from sodium and water retention. Sodium, vital for fluid balance and nerve or muscle function, is regulated by the kidneys through millions of nephrons. Blood enters nephrons via afferent arterioles, which branch into capillaries called glomeruli. These filter blood plasma, allowing water and solutes, like sodium ions, to pass through capillary walls into Bowman's capsule. The filtrate then flows through various tubules...